126 NATURAL HISTORY. 
215. The Raptores always live in pairs, and they 
choose their mates for life. It is remarkable, also, that 
in a large proportion of this order the females are larger 
than the males, probably because they have the care of 
the young birds, which are at first weak and blind, fike 
the young of beasts of prey among Mammals. The col- 
ors of the plumage of this order are generally dull, brown- 
ish varied .with white. They have no song, and utter 
only hoarse sounds. They construct their nests in a rude 
way in high situations, on the ledges of rocks, the tops of 
lofty trees, ete. 
216. There are three families in this order: 1. The Fal- 
con family, including the Falcons, Eagles, and Hawks. 
2. The Vultures. 3. The Owls, which are nocturnal birds 
of prey (nox, night), the two first families being diurnal 
(dies, day). 
217. The true Falcons are the most daring of all birds 
of prey. They are very symmetrical in form and grace- 
ful in flight. The Gyrfalcon, Fig. 105, is the most beau- . 
tiful of the tribe, and 
the largest, it being 
nearly two feet long. 
It is found on the rocky 
coasts of Norway and 
Iceland. These birds 
are very courageous in 
defending their young. 
A pair of them attack- 
ed Dr. Richardson, 
while climbing near 
their nest, flying in cir- 
cles around him, and 
now and then dashing 
at his face with loud 
screams. The Falcons 
ASS were used in the once 
Fig. 105.—Gyrfaleon, favorite sport of En- 
